The volumes in this reviewed series, formerly called 'Advances in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery', feature extensive overview and original articles on current developments in plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Papers are especially designed to help the practitioner keep up with recent advances in the field and elaborate on their importance for everyday practice. The areas of major progress selected for volume 17 include vertical mammaplasty, structural fat grafting of the face, augmentation gluteoplasty, complete bilateral cleft lip-nasal deformity, the role of conduits in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries and advances in otoplasty. Further chapters include a review of nerve transfers and a discussion of the role and benefits of silicones in topical therapy on the skin. Recognized specialists in the field have again contributed to this publication, making the information presented easily accessible and providing step-by-step guides enhanced by detailed illustrations.